We’re singing John Newton’s hymn meditating on the glories of Mount Zion as we live through Psalm 125 and 126 -“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion.” The music comes from the original pairing of the text with the tune “JEFFERSON” from the Sacred Harp. John Julian (famous hymnologist) ranks this hymn as one of the finest hymns in the English language.

1. Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Zion, city of our God;
He, Whose word cannot be broken,
Formed thee for His own abode
On the Rock of Ages founded,
What can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation’s walls surrounded,
Thou mayst smile at all thy foes.

2. See the streams of living waters,
Springing from eternal love.
Well supplies Thy sons and daughters,
And all fears of want removes.
Who can faint while such a river
Ever flows their thirst to quench?
Grace which like the Lord, the giver,
Never fails from age to age.

3. Blessed inhabitants of Zion,
Washed in the Redeemer’s blood;
Jesus, Whom their souls rely on,
Makes them kings and priests to God
‘Tis His love His people raises,
Over self to reign as kings
And as priests His solemn praises
Each for a thank offering bring.

4. Savior, if of Zion’s city,
I, through grace, a member am,
Let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in Thy Name
Fading is the worldling’s pleasure,
All his boasted pomp and show
Solid joys and lasting treasures
None but Zion’s children know.